Environmental lawyer Cormac Cullinan, recipient of the Shackleton medal, advocates for Antarctica to be recognized as an autonomous legal entity, equivalent to a country, to protect its interests and the planet. He argues that the continent, currently governed by the Antarctic Treaty System, faces severe threats from climate change and political impasses, necessitating a shift in human perception and a global movement to establish its rights and corresponding human duties.
Antarctica ‘too wild for humans to rule’, says Shackleton medal winner
AntarcticaPolar regionsEnvironmental activismEndangered habitatsEnvironmentWorldConservationWildlifeLawClimate crisis
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Environmental lawyer Cormac Cullinan, recipient of the Shackleton medal, advocates for Antarctica to be recognized as an autonomous legal entity, equivalent to a country, to protect its interests and the planet. He argues that the continent, currently governed by the Antarctic Treaty System, faces severe threats from climate change and political impasses, necessitating a shift in human perception and a global movement to establish its rights and corresponding human duties.
Trending- 1 1959: Antarctic Treaty System (ATS) created and signed by 58 countries.
- 2 2002: Cormac Cullinan's book 'Wild Law: A Manifesto for Earth Justice' published.
- 3 2010: Universal Declaration of Rights of Mother Earth drafted.
- 4 2020: An article in the journal Nature estimated that even a 1-meter sea level rise would put '48% of the world’s land area, 52% of the global population and 46% of global assets' at risk of flooding.
- 5 June 2-8, 2025: Cormac Cullinan awarded the Shackleton medal for the protection of the polar regions.
- Potential shift in international law and how humanity relates to Antarctica
- Creation of corresponding obligations for countries to respect Antarctica's rights
- Potential for Antarctica to have a voice in climate negotiations and initiate lawsuits
- Increased awareness of Antarctic conservation issues
What: Environmental lawyer Cormac Cullinan's campaign to establish Antarctica as an autonomous legal entity with 'personhood' rights.
When: This week (June 2-8, 2025) Cullinan awarded the Shackleton medal; 2002 (Wild Law published); 2010 (Universal Declaration of Rights of Mother Earth drafted); 2020 (Nature article on sea level rise).
Where: Antarctica, South Africa, UN.
Why: To protect Antarctica from climate crisis impacts and political impasses, recognize its intrinsic value as a living community, and ensure human duties to respect its integrity.
How: Through legal advocacy, publishing books ('Wild Law'), drafting declarations (Antarctica Declaration, Universal Declaration of Rights of Mother Earth), and building a global movement to support Antarctica's legal status.